Wandsworth Council is warning residents to be on their guard after reports of a bogus binman knocking on doors pretending to be collecting for charity.
The suspected fraudster has claimed to be collecting for a charity skydive to help a colleague's sick child, and when people agree to donate, he demands the money for the collection in cash.
Biffa, the refuse company contracted by the council, said it had no member of staff with that story working in the borough - and believed it was a con.
Environment spokeswoman, Councillor Sarah McDermott, said: "It is doubtful whoever is doing this is a genuine refuse collector and more likely he is an opportunist hoping to cash in on residents' generosity."
Anyone with information should call police or the council on 020 8871 8558.
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